Government condemns vandals of primary school

The vandalism to Nauru Primary
School this week (Monday 5 January) is being condemned by the
Government and the community.

Just weeks before the start of the new academic year 18 classrooms
were broken into, windows smashed and numerous desktop computers
damaged. Books and resources strewn around, walls vandalised with
paint and items including books and fire extinguishers are also
reported stolen.

Minister for Education Charmaine Scotty is appalled at the damage
and destruction to the school.

"This is indeed a sad day for all of Nauru, especially for our
Education Department and all our children, who will be adversely
affected by the criminal destruction of school property at Nauru
Primary School.

"This is deliberate destruction which cannot be tolerated! We need
to be more vigilant in taking responsibility and care of our school
assets, which are used by all of our children throughout
Nauru.

"Would those involved do this massive damage to their own homes
deliberately?

"There is a need to introduce stricter rules for deliberate
destruction of public property. There is a need for those entrusted
to care and secure our public buildings to be more vigilant and
truly be more responsible," Minister Scotty said.

Director of Police Corey Caleb said the incident was reported to
Nauru Police after 6pm on Monday 5th January.

Mr Caleb said while the police have leads they are still making
enquiries and the incident is still under investigation.

Some parents have come forward reporting school items being in the
possession of their children or children in their community.

The Director is urging others to do the same, to come forward with
any information regarding the incident that might assist the police
in its investigation.

In a television interview with local media, Director of Education
Administration Cecilia Giouba said everything will need to be
replaced, most things imported and repainting done at very high
cost. Mrs Giouba urges the public especially parents to educate
children about such behaviour.